Erik Nelson named Keith W. and Sara M. Kelley Endowed Professor of Immunophysiology
Erik K. Nelson, professor in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been named the Keith W. and Sara M. Kelley Endowed Professor of Immunophysiology. The investiture ceremony, hosted by the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, celebrates Nelson’s distinguished contributions to understanding how endocrine and metabolic pathways influence cancer development and progression.
“Being named the Kelley Professor is both humbling and inspiring,” Nelson said. “Keith W. Kelley’s work in physiology and immunology transformed our understanding of health. I’m grateful for the opportunity to build upon that foundation and to carry forward the Kelleys’ passion for science that makes a difference in people’s lives.”
Nelson’s pioneering research explores how hormones and cholesterol metabolism shape the tumor microenvironment and influence breast and ovarian cancer outcomes. His discoveries have identified cholesterol metabolites as key regulators of immune function in tumors, opening new avenues for prevention and therapy.
“Through his innovative approach to biology and commitment to collaboration, Dr. Nelson advances the university’s mission of discovery that serves society,” said Venetria K. Patton, Harry E. Preble Dean of the College of LAS. “By connecting fundamental science to human health, he exemplifies the intellectual curiosity and shared purpose that define our college and our campus.”
Nelson earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology and his doctorate in comparative endocrinology from the University of Calgary in Canada, followed by postdoctoral training at Duke University School of Medicine. His scholarship has been widely published, with peer-reviewed papers advancing our understanding of cholesterol metabolism, endocrine signaling, and cancer biology. His research has garnered national recognition through numerous honors, including the Era of Hope Scholar Award from the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program and the Endocrine Society’s Richard E. Weitzman Outstanding Early Career Investigator Laureate Award.
Today, Nelson holds appointments that reflect the breadth of his interdisciplinary work across campus. In addition to his role in LAS, he is affiliated with the Department of Animal Sciences and the Division of Nutritional Sciences within the College of ACES, the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. He also serves as the leader of the Cancer Engineering and Biological Systems program at the Cancer Center at Illinois.
“Dr. Nelson’s appointments illustrate the collaborative strength that defines Illinois,” said Germán Bollero, dean of the College of ACES. “This professorship demonstrates how expertise from multiple disciplines can converge to accelerate discoveries that advance science and improve lives. It’s also a tribute to Keith and Sara Kelley, whose generosity and foresight continue to shape the future of physiology and immunology at Illinois.”
About Keith W. and Sara M. Kelley
Keith W. Kelley earned master’s and doctoral degrees from the College of ACES at Illinois. As a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, Kelley combined his expertise in immunology and neuroscience, bringing immunology to the forefront of physiology. His career discoveries demonstrated that inflammation throughout the body transmits information to the brain, with important implications for both animal and human health.
He is a long-time advocate of interdisciplinary research and international collaboration. This endowed professorship in immunophysiology encourages continued collaborative interdisciplinary work between the College of ACES, other departments and units, and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine.
After retiring as professor emeritus in 2011, Kelley’s efforts focused on bridging Western and Eastern biomedical research by creating and chairing the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society (PNIRS) Asia-Pacific committee. This led to the development of the subsequent PNIRS Ibero-America network in Central and South America. In 2023, he launched a new biomedical scientific journal, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity – Integrative, as a founding and managing associate editor, alongside colleagues in China. Its goal is to seek new knowledge and understanding of physiology, psychiatry, neuroscience, and immunology as they are affected by Eastern health practices and medicine.
Sara M. (Sims) Kelley is part of a multiple-generational Illini family rooted in agriculture. She earned her bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition from the College of ACES, followed by a master’s degree in nutrition from Washington State University. After a 30-year career in higher education, Sara retired as the assistant dean for advancement in the College of Applied Health Sciences at Illinois. Since retirement, Sara became a founding member of the Braver Angels Alliance of East Central Illinois and serves on the Board of the League of Women Voters of Champaign County